The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has denied responsibility for alleged attacks on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including its governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya.
The ADC, at a press conference in Sokoto on Sunday, alleged that the APC used its Sokoto Marshals personnel to attack its governorship candidate, Muhammad Manir Dan’Iya.
However, the state APC Chairman, Haruna Adiya, said the ruling party was committed to peaceful political engagement and would not sponsor violence against political opponents.
Adiya maintained that violence was alien to the party’s political culture, stressing that APC members were guided by the principles of decency, respect for human dignity and peaceful democratic participation.
ALSO RREAD ADC demands Police, DSS probe of attack on Sokoto governorship candidate
He attributed the party’s position to the leadership of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, whom he said consistently advocated peaceful political processes.
“The APC is not responsible for any attack against anybody because we play politics with decency. We play politics with respect for human dignity,” Adiya said.
“Therefore, violence is not in our character. We have never and will never sponsor anybody to attack anyone on our behalf.”
His remarks followed allegations by the ADC that its members had suffered repeated attacks and intimidation in Sokoto, including an incident involving Dan’iya’s convoy near the Sokoto airport on October 30.
The ADC alleged that personnel of the Sokoto Marshal and Community Guards blocked the governorship candidate’s convoy, fired gunshots, damaged vehicles and detained two Department of State Services (DSS) operatives attached to his security team.
The opposition party also accused the state government and the APC of using state-backed security outfits to restrict its political activities and intimidate its members.
However, the APC chairman dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the party had no involvement in the reported incidents.
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the alleged confrontation involving the ADC candidate and security personnel. Nigerian News Leader +2
The development comes amid growing political tension in Sokoto as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
